Inspection of the connections, the operation of the motor and the operation of the thermostat are all part of routine maintenance for HVAC systems. The purpose of regular HVAC maintenance is to keep your system running at its highest quality for as long as possible. Even with proper maintenance, however, every component still has a life cycle. If you stay in your home long enough, you will likely need to install some replacement parts.
Filters are essential for removing dust, hair, and other particles from the air so that these contaminants don't spread throughout the house. Changing your air conditioning filter every 30 days can improve the air quality inside your home and help you consume less energy. Clean filters allow more air to pass through, allowing the system to heat up and cool more efficiently. For most systems, filters with a MERV rating between seven and 13 offer an excellent balance between filtration capacity and maximum airflow. The average lifespan of an HVAC system is between 15 and 25 years.
This time frame can be increased or decreased depending on the type of system, brand, and consistency of maintenance. If you take care of your heating and cooling system diligently, you'll maximize its lifespan and maintain greater efficiency for a longer period of time. It's clear that a more efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system will cost less. Dirty or maintenance-free units require 20% more energy to generate the same level of cooling or heating as a perfectly maintained air conditioning unit. If you need to switch to an air conditioning unit with a SEER rating higher than 16, it's best to upgrade the boiler simultaneously.
When your air conditioner needs more than regular maintenance, such as when it doesn't lower the indoor temperature to a comfortable level, hire a professional service technician. The sooner you realize that there is a problem or the more checks you perform to prevent a problem from occurring, the lower the cost of maintaining your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Unless you have a lot of experience with maintaining or repairing heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, it's best not to try to fix it on your own. Signing a maintenance contract can also get you discounts on repairs and on the purchase of new equipment. By making your HVAC system intelligent, you can access additional features that can help you with preventive maintenance.
Spring and fall are busy times of the year for local HVAC professionals who are busy with preventive maintenance and installing new cooling and heating equipment. Barring unforeseen issues, these are the standard HVAC maintenance tasks you'll want to undergo every year. Some HVAC maintenance companies also offer annual contracts where you pay a fixed fee for someone to come once a year. And everything from clogged filters to dirty coils can cause problems, so it's important that you stay on top of your maintenance tasks year after year. I always have my HVAC system checked once a year and I agree that regular maintenance helps avoid costly HVAC repairs. In addition, clutter can become both a fire hazard and a trip hazard, making repairs and maintenance difficult.
Regular HVAC maintenance can help extend the life of your system - something I'm sure many homeowners appreciate! Most heating and cooling equipment manufacturers require annual preventive maintenance of their equipment to maintain the warranty. During these maintenance checks, HVAC installation companies and technicians will thoroughly review, inspect and fix the system so that it continues to operate efficiently and avoid breakdowns. Keeping up with routine maintenance for your heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can help prevent many common problems that come with costly repairs.
